Real Madrid’s Ruben de la Red is reportedly to be used in part-exchange in an attempt to snatch Xabi Alonso from under Barca’s nose, who have both identified the Spanish midfielder as one of their summer targets.

An insider at Real Madrid was reported to say: “It is a case of the club deciding whether to keep De La Red or to try and get Alonso. The Liverpool player is the one they [Real Madrid] have wanted to sign for a long time.”

Alonso is expected to be part of Rafa’s summer re-shuffle after missing our recent away trip in Milan to be at home for the arrival of his first child.

Ruben de la Red, a twenty-two year-old Defensive Midfielder is currently playing his football at Getafe, with Real Madrid having the option to bring him back to bring him back up until the end of season 2008/09.